Master in International Business Law

University of Helsinki

Master in International Business Law

Be the one who un­der­stands fine print on a global scale

People gather here at the University of Helsinki to make the world a better place. Our master’s programme is linked to research efforts that are crucial to the future of humanity. The programme is designed to create future experts. We’ll give you the skills you need to address tomorrow’s questions today. Join us now to study International Business Law!

Goal of the pro­gramme

As economic life is affected by globalization, it is important for successful business law professionals to have extensive knowledge of the international business law. The MDP in International Business Law (IBL) is a two-year research-oriented Master´s programme where you will become an internationally-oriented business law professional well-qualified for a career in legal practice and academia.

In the IBL programme, you will be able to

Increase and deepen your knowledge and understanding of business law, including contract law, company law, IP law, competition law and commercial dispute resolution

Develop research skills and business law knowledge in order to continue your studies in a Ph.D. programme

Study in an international and multicultural environment with students and staff from all over the world

Network with potential employers and other potential future colleagues in the field of international business law

In­form­a­tion on the lan­guages of in­struc­tion

The teaching language of the programme is English. At least 75% of the degree must be completed fully in English (e.g. seminars, seminar papers and similar written work, exams and the Master’s thesis). However, you can also study in other languages, and for example, include a semester abroad or law courses taught in Finnish or Swedish.

Pro­gramme con­tents

The International Business Law (IBL) programme offers you the possibility to learn more about business-related subjects such as contract and consumer law, commercial law (including company law, securities markets law, competition law and IP law) and commercial dispute resolution from an international point of view.

In the IBL programme, you will learn by participating in lecture courses and case study courses as well as by writing seminar papers, presenting your work and completing a research seminar while writing your Master’s thesis. Depending on the courses you take, you will either be studying more independently or you will be involved in group work.

In addition to regular courses and seminars, you have the possibility to participate in Moot Court Competition or Helsinki Law Clinic courses to gain practical experience, network and meet potential employers. We encourage you to seize career opportunities already during your studies. Especially during your second year, the year-long research seminar is conducted in such a way that you can work or do an internship during the semesters.

Se­lec­tion of the study track

One of the cornerstones of the MDP in International Business Law is its versatility: in addition to all essential fields of business law, we offer an extensive selection of other law courses. You can choose to broaden or deepen your expertise in international business law - or both.

You don’t choose any specialization as such, but you are free to focus on the topics that you are most interested in by selecting your optional studies from the large variety of courses offered by the Faculty of Law or other Helsinki University departments.

You will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge especially in

Contract and consumer law

Commercial law (including company law, securities markets law, competition law and IP law)

Commercial dispute resolution (especially international arbitration)

In addition to the core IBL courses, you can focus on topics such as European law, international tax law, trade and transport law, and Russian/Chinese business law. You can also attain a more multidisciplinary degree by taking courses from other faculties or universities.

Pro­gramme struc­ture

The scope of the master´s programme is 120 credits (ECTS) to be completed in two academic years. The programme comprises compulsory and optional studies, seminars and research work including a Master’s thesis. In the first year you will concentrate on compulsory and optional studies, and in the second year you will write your thesis and take more optional studies. You can also include an internship and a student exchange period as part of your degree.

Thesis

During the second year, you will write a master´s thesis (30 credits), an independent research project. Your research and writing will be supported by regular research seminar meetings. You will agree on the topic of your thesis with your thesis supervisor. To support your individual career interests, you are free to choose any business law oriented thesis topic, as long as it is approved by your thesis supervisor.

The research seminar in International Business Law is a year-long project during which you will participate in seminar meetings once a month, complete seminar assignments, present your papers, discuss the papers, take a seminar exam, write your Master’s thesis and present the findings in front of the class. During the research seminar, you will get regular feedback about your work from your supervisor and fellow students. Upon completing the research seminar, you will have advanced academic argumentation and writing skills as well as thorough understanding of your thesis topic.

Ca­reer pro­spects

Upon graduation, you will be an internationally oriented business law professional who is well-qualified for careers in legal practice (such as law firms and corporate legal departments) as well as legal academia. You will have diverse career opportunities both in Finland and abroad. In Finland, for example, law firms have started to recruit students who have completed the MDP in International Business Law. In general, the employment situation for lawyers – especially in the field of business law – is very good.

Com­pet­ence

In the programme, you will complete the degree ofMaster of International and Comparative Law (MICL) (kansainvälisen ja vertailevan oikeustieteen maisteri). The degree of Master of International and Comparative Law provides general eligibility for postgraduate studies and qualifies you for positions which require a master´s level education. However, it does not qualify for positions which specifically require a Finnish Master of Laws (oikeustieteen maisteri, OTM) degree.

In­ter­na­tion­al­iz­a­tion

At the UH Faculty of Law, you will take part in an international and multicultural learning environment with students and staff from all over the world. You will also have the possibility to spend a semester abroad as an exchange student in one of Faculty’s numerous partner universities or include a traineeship abroad as part of your study programme.

Net­work­ing

All courses included in the MDP in International Business Law are provided by the Helsinki University Faculty of Law. You also be able to earn credits from courses in other institutions, such as other law faculties.

The main participants in the programme are Finnish law firms, which are also potential employers. For example, you can take part in one of the thesis programmes provided by some of the larger law firms.

Re­search fo­cus

Focus areas of Faculty´s research:

Theoretical, social and cultural foundations of law

Law in a European and global environment

Welfare and the rule of law

Economy, property rights, and justice

Law, technology, human beings and the environment

Post­gradu­ate stud­ies

The Master´s degree provides general eligibility for you to continue to doctoral studies.

Tuition fees

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area and pursue their studies in English, are liable to pay tuition fees. You can check from FAQ at the Studyinfo website whether or not you are required to pay tuition fees.